MARGAO: The vice chancellor of Goa University, Varun Sahni, pitched the idea of a BRICS University wherein a network of top universities among the BRICS nations could be built and stressed on the need for Goa to rebrand itself as a location for quality education.

Stating that that Goa being small in size offers opportunities for innovation in the education sector, Sahni suggested that institutions of higher education leverage Goa’s location to facilitate interaction of Goa students with globally renowned academicians.

Sahni made these remarks while speaking at a symposium on “BRICS India 2016: Advantage Goa” organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Young Indians, Goa chapter, on Monday.

Pointing out that Goa didn’t figure in the logo of the BRICS 2016 summit, Sahni termed it as a “lost opportunity” for Goa.

Industrialist Yatin Kakodkar, stressed on the need for Goa to have a trade policy. “Goa needs to have a department of trade headed by people who understand the dynamics of international trade; we need a minster (for trade) who knows international trade. Good governance is of paramount importance to regain the trust of the people in government and eliminate the trust deficit,” Kakodkar said, adding that the image of the government struggling to overcome the opposition to setting up mobile towers for BRICS summit does not inspire confidence.

“Augmenting port capacity is vital for Goa to reap the benefits of international trade. Goa’s pharmaceutical industry also has a good export potential. Intra-BRICS trade and India’s increasing integration with international trading segment is a big opportunity for Goa,” Kakodkar added. South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar also spoke on the occasion.